Cathal BarryIrish rugby great Tony Ward (pictured) has spoken of how his faith has given him strength during his battle with prostate cancer.
“I believe in God. I have always had faith,” the 59-year-old former out-half told The Irish Catholic.
“I suppose I got that from the way I was brought up. I went to a Spiritan secondary school where religion was very important. It’s lasted with me,” he said.
Ward, who has 19 caps for Ireland and represented the British and Irish Lions, got the diagnosis two years ago and has now come out about how tough it has been for him, in a bid to save lives.
The father-of-four said going to Mass helped him cope with his health problems.
“I find that when I go to Mass I can go into a different world. I have the chance to check myself, if that makes any sense.
“I know a lot of people turn to God for inner strength in times of crisis. I would hate to think I practise that but faith has helped me get through what I have been through,” he said.
“I’ve always believed there is somebody responsible, some greater being,” he added.